The federal government is urging Canadians to refrain from traveling to specific areas of the Caribbean as Hurricane Melissa sweeps through the region. The powerful Category 5 storm caused significant damage and casualties in Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti, leading to power outages and displacement of residents in flooded communities.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) stated that while no Canadians were reported killed in the storm, updated travel advisories have been issued for the affected regions. Canadians are advised to avoid all travel to Jamaica, Haiti, and the eastern parts of Cuba, with a previous advisory for Haiti due to security concerns. Additionally, non-essential travel to the southeastern and central Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Bermuda is also discouraged.
GAC is dispatching a rapid-response team to provide emergency response and aid in the impacted areas. Canadians requiring assistance can reach out to GAC through various communication channels, including phone, email, SMS, WhatsApp, and Signal.
Randeep Sarai, the secretary of state for international development, emphasized Canada’s close monitoring of the situation and readiness to assist with logistical and humanitarian needs upon local requests. Both Cuba and Jamaica have accessed emergency funds, including contributions from Canada, with ongoing support from Canadian-backed initiatives and projects focusing on hurricane resilience.
Sarai expressed Canada’s willingness to consider further aid requests to provide additional humanitarian relief as needed. The government remains committed to supporting the affected regions during this critical time.